Beauty Portfolio: Blossom Kochhar

Nidhi Sharma | 01 Sep 2010

Dr Blossom Kochhar

Image: Dr Blossom Kochhar

When you think of Blossom Kochhar, only one thing comes to mind. The lady who works beauty wonders with a generous helping of aromatherapy, of course. Dr Kochhar has practiced and preached achieving beauty through aromatherapy herbals for over 35 years and has a Double Doctorate for her contribution in the field of Aromatherapy - one from Indian Board of Alternative Medicines, India and second from New Age International University, Italy. A respected name in the field of holistic beauty, Dr Blossom Kochhar has also been associated with multi-national beauty brands, reputed spas and numerous beauty pageants as an advisor. Here the beauty expert gives us a lowdown on how to achieve a radiant complexion and tells us that you can actually never have a bad hair day, yes, even during monsoons.

On Skin and hair care in Monsoon

Skin: During monsoons skin and hair require special attention and your regular skin care regime might not suffice. This season most of us face the problem of open pores and oily skin, so it’s better to cut down heavier and creams and rich cleansers. Instead make sure you cleanse at least two to three times a day and use a non-alcoholic toner to deal with excessive oiliness. Use face packs that are meant especially for your skin type.

I’d recommend using natural fruit and vegetables as face packs. One great way to combat the problem of open pores is squash a papaya, mix it with lemon and tomato juice and apply it on your face, leave on for 10 minutes and wash off. It’s also good to use homemade exfoliators once in a while as they are better for your skin. Oats mixed with a few drops of water and massaged in circles does wonders for your complexion.

Hair: Humidity, rain and perspiration are often the culprits behind a dull mane during monsoons. The key is to shampoo often and to avoid any kind of buildup. Always dilute the shampoo in little water and massage your scalp in circles to promote blood circulation. You can also use a tea rinse once every few days. Avoid hair gels and mousse during the rainy seasons to avoid chemical buildup and opt for shorter hair styles and braids which are more manageable.

On ways to deal with uneven complexion

Reasons for uneven complexion, blemishes and hyper pigmentation could vary from person to person as it depends on hormonal issues, family genes and your overall internal health. Never forget sunscreen even if it’s a cloudy weather. Do not use chemical bleaches as they do more harm than good. Go for food items that have natural skin lightening powers such as lemon and potatoes. A pack made of milk, papaya and an AHA (2%) solution is great for skin lightening. Also remember to use face scrubs at night, as in day time, freshly scrubbed skin tends to catch sunlight and pollution more often than not.

On anti-ageing care

Taking care of your skin against ageing should be a practice you start following in your mid 20’s. In your 20’s it's best to use light serums that help against fine lines and wrinkles. 30’s is a time to start investing in richer creams, both day and night to help tackle wrinkles, sagging and open pores. Exfoliating once a week is also crucial. 40’s is when maximum signs of ageing become visible, so make sure you get expert care to look after your skin. Invest in richer anti-ageing serums, eye gels, eye creams and night creams. Also massage your neck to avoid lines and sagging that appears around this area.

On incorporating aromatherapy in your regular skin care and health

Aromatherapy is not only excellent skin food but it is also a great way to achieve well-balanced mental health. Use it ever so often in bath, a few drops mixed in water as a last rinse or spritz it on your towel. Different aromatherapy oils have different effects. Ylang Ylang oil is great to wake you up and kickstart energy. You can even apply a few drops after you moisturize over your lotion. If you’re stressed lately, lavender oil is a great way to achieve relaxation and a calm mind. Oils of neroli and orange blossom have a rejuvenating effect as well after that hectic week at work. Use citrusy scents like lemon and orange to beat the gloomy monsoon blues and jasmine and rose to infuse some confidence in you. Incorporating aroma therapy in your regular day to day life can have a healing effect on your body and on your skin.